Breaking Free from Instagram: How I Built My Business Without Social Media Hustle

Nov 21, 2024

For years, I lived for Instagram. Every like, every follow, every “you’re so inspiring” comment felt like a breadcrumb leading to success. But deep down, I knew I was chasing shadows.

I poured endless hours into studying carousel posts, mimicking successful creators in my niche, and perfecting aesthetic reels. But the results? Crickets. No sales, no real conversations: just a silent, disengaged audience and a tidal wave of frustration.

The worst part? I lost myself in the process.

Every day, I scrolled endlessly, comparing my journey to other coaches flaunting their wins. Stories felt like an obligation, not an outlet, and my confidence plummeted. With each “ping” of a notification, anxiety crept in. Who was I kidding? Who was I to call myself a coach?

One day, I decided: Enough. I logged off Instagram—not just for a break, but to reclaim my creativity, my voice, and my sanity.

And that’s when everything changed.

Rewriting My Story

Without Instagram dictating my every move, I could finally ask myself: What do I actually love?

I realized my strengths weren’t in flashy videos or keeping up with trends. My true talents were storytelling, writing, and connecting deeply with others, on my terms. Here’s how I used them to rewrite my business journey:

My Strategic Pivot:

1. Substack: A Sanctuary for Creativity

I fell in love with Substack because it gave me the freedom to create for me. No algorithms, no pressure to chase likes, just pure expression.

Instead of obsessing over niche trends, I wrote about topics that lit me up: feminine energy, mindset, and authentic business strategies. My only goal? Rebuild my confidence and follow my intuition.

I gave myself permission to test, fail, and have fun. Some weeks, I wrote passionately; others, I rested. And you know what? People started to connect: not with a polished facade, but with me.

2. Podcast Power: Finding My Voice (Literally)

Starting a podcast was a leap into the unknown. As a French speaker, launching an English podcast felt like a wild risk.

But that risk paid off.

Each episode helped me grow a small, loyal community. It expanded my email list and gave me the confidence to embrace imperfection. Every download reminded me that my voice, accent and all, had value.

3. Pinterest: The Underestimated Platform

While everyone else chased Instagram algorithms, I leaned into Pinterest, a platform I’ve loved since 2020.

Unlike social media, Pinterest isn’t about followers: it’s about discovery. People come to Pinterest searching for solutions, not just entertainment. With under 500 followers, I still grew my French podcast to over 28,000 downloads. My impressions jumped from 5K to 14K, and every link I pinned drove real traffic to my offers.

Pinterest taught me that success isn’t about being “seen”; it’s about being found.

4. Strategic Blogging: Evergreen Connections

I turned my Substack posts into blog articles, creating a magnet for organic traffic. While Instagram posts fade in days, blog content lives on; searchable and relevant.

It reminded me that people still use Google. They’re looking for answers, and I’m here to provide them.

5. TikTok: A New Frontier

I’ll admit it: I was terrified to start TikTok. It felt like stepping back into the spotlight I’d left behind on Instagram.

But this time, my approach was different.

Instead of chasing virality, I focused on creating searchable content. It wasn’t about being the loudest; it was about being strategic. Slowly, but surely, my videos began driving traffic to my Substack.

6. Email Marketing: My Most Valuable Asset

Share Mademoiselle Mindset

If Instagram felt like shouting into the void, email felt like sitting down for coffee with a friend.

Since March, I’ve grown my newsletter by 100 subscribers with a 30% open rate. It’s not massive, but it’s deeply meaningful. I’ve created a space where I can educate, inspire, and yes, sell, with integrity.

The Biggest Lesson: Trusting Myself

Here’s the truth: Your business doesn’t need to fit into someone else’s blueprint.

I spent years believing that success meant mastering Instagram. But when I stepped back, I realized that the key wasn’t in chasing trends or followers, it was in trusting my own voice.

Today, I’m building a business that feels good. A business built on skills I love, platforms I trust, and strategies that honor who I am.

So if you’ve been stuck in the grind, here’s your sign: You can do this differently. Create your own path, follow your intuition, and focus on what lights you up.

Because when you stop chasing the algorithm, you might just find yourself.